IL-10- and IL-13-Biased T Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Virology

Background:

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase risks from respiratory viruses.
• Vaccination typically enhances T cell responses in healthy individuals.
• Vaccine effectiveness in diabetic populations is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vaccine-specific T cell responses in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• To compare T cell magnitude, memory, and function against SARS-CoV-2 vaccination between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Studied CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
• Assessed T cell memory maintenance and functionality.
• Compared cytokine profiles (IL-10, IL-13) in vaccine-specific T cells.

Main Results:

• People with diabetes exhibited defects in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory maintenance.
• Vaccine-specific T cells in diabetic individuals showed reduced functionality.
• Diabetic individuals with detectable T cells displayed a tolerogenic phenotype with increased IL-10 and IL-13.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes impairs vaccine-induced T cell memory and function.
• The observed T cell phenotype in diabetes may affect immune responses to vaccination.
• Findings suggest a need to reconsider vaccination strategies for individuals with diabetes.